The US ambassador to China announced that he will leave Beijing in early October. May the future successor be a hawk?

　　[Global Times reporter Ni Hao] After U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo posted 3 consecutive Twitter comments on the 14th that the U.S. ambassador to China sparked speculation in the U.S. media, the U.S. Embassy in China issued an official statement on the evening of the 14th, confirming the U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad will step down in early October and leave Beijing.

Subsequently, Branstad issued a statement in his own name, confirming the news that he would step down.

　　According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy, ​​Branstad confirmed on the phone with U.S. President Trump last week that he will leave his post and said that he will return to Iowa after leaving Beijing.

Branstad said in his personal statement: "It is a great honor to represent the President of the United States and the American people over the past three years. We are rebalancing the US-China relationship to make it fair, reciprocal, and reciprocal. Can promote positive growth in both countries. This effort will continue. When I leave office, I am as optimistic as when I arrived. I have met so many amazing people in China. My wife Chris and I will never forget your enthusiasm hospitable."

　　The statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in China on the evening of the 14th also showed that Branstad convened an internal plenary meeting on the 14th to thank the employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in China and said, “I’m most proud of our efforts to achieve The first phase of the trade agreement and the work done to bring tangible results to our communities in the United States."

　　Just a few hours before the US Embassy in China released the news, Pompeo sent three tweets to thank Branstad for serving as ambassador to China for more than three years, praising him for rebalancing Sino-US relations. Made a contribution.

Pompeo said that Branstad has decades of experience in dealing with China and is the best person to represent the US government in defending US interests and ideals in Sino-US relations.

It is based on this that President Trump chose him to play this important role.

　　Branstad is 73 years old and was born in Iowa, USA.

Since 1982, Branstad has been elected governor of Iowa six times, setting the record for the youngest and longest-term governor in American history.

In May 2017, the U.S. Senate approved the nomination of Branstad's ambassador to China. He said at the hearing that he hoped that he would have a positive impact on U.S.-China relations and play a constructive role in promoting the development of bilateral relations. .

In June 2017, Branstad arrived in China and officially assumed the post of U.S. Ambassador to China.

US media reported that Trump revealed on the 12th that Branstad would represent him to attend general election campaigns in Iowa.

　　Branstad suddenly stepped down at a time when the conflict between China and the United States intensified.

The U.S. official has not yet explained the specific reasons for Branstad’s departure and the personnel arrangements of the new ambassador to China.

What does this change show, and will the trend of Sino-US relations add additional variables?

　　Professor Li Haidong of the Foreign Affairs University analyzed this to a reporter from the Global Times on the 14th. During his more than three years in Branstad, Sino-U.S. relations have suffered a major reversal. The U.S. policy toward China is too tough and Branstad can play The space has shrunk greatly, maybe he thinks he is no longer suitable for this position, and therefore proposed to resign.

　　A domestic expert on Sino-US relations told the Global Times reporter on the 14th that Branstad has not shown “outstanding words and deeds” in China for more than three years, and his prudent style may make the American White House hawks increasingly tough on China. We are dissatisfied.

As an ambassador, Branstad represents the U.S. government on the one hand, and faces the Chinese people while in China. He may feel caught in the middle.

　　Experts say that Branstad's sudden departure in any case means a downgrade of the US government's foreign policy toward China, reflecting the change in the direction of Trump's China policy.

"This means that Branstad's previous route may be changed and the successor may be a tough figure against China who is more in line with the American hawkish style."